Reviving a classic Eastlake Table
Charles Eastlake was a nineteenth century architect, furniture designer, and author. His work is the inspiration behind the table you’re looking at here. The distinctive look came about between two better-known style periods — the Victorian and the Arts & Crafts movement. Its stylings are not as ornate and complex as the Victorian period. But, as you see in the photo above, the details are more energetic than the subtle profiles of Craftsman furniture.
MATERIAL DECISIONS. Early versions of this table were built using the plentiful supply of walnut that was available at the time. Later iterations were often done in oak. To throw some spice into the mix, we chose African mahogany.
As you can see in the images here, the marble top contrasts well with this choice of wood and is consistent with authentic Eastlake style. But the unique and appealing qualities of this table don’t stop there.
ORGANIC WOODWORKING. At the core of this table is the center spindle. This trunk-like center has a lot going on. Beyond the mortises that hold the legs and stretchers that branch out from it, there are some decorative reeds that are scratched into the surface of the spindle, as well as the aprons and corner blocks. You’ll create these reeds with a shop-made tool that has a history longer than the table itself. So strap on your apron and let’s get going.
Start with the SPINDLE
The natural place to start working is with the piece that’s
